Issue 56: How taking care of my creative health helps me avoid burnout
Sharing because some of these lessons were hard to learn
There is only so many times that I can refer to my professional meltdown without starting to feel like a broken record. But the idea of more, more, MORE is such a constant part of contemporary American culture that I can’t help but worry that soon enough, I will be sitting in the proverbial corner again, tears streaming down my face, wondering why I am working so hard and still feeling like I am accomplishing nothing (one of the many definitions of burnout).
What made me think about this the week after I talked about feeling post-achievement about my work is that I am noticing a milestone coming in my Substack subscriber count. I felt that tinge of joy and excitement that also triggered my competitive part. I wondered if I need to get out on Notes a bit more, or ask you guys to share my newsletter with friends. Just a little push would put me over that desired number. Luckily, I caught myself.
I know the research. The idea that linear achievement with make you happy or satisfied is so…
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to A reading life to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.